PDSA weekly Q&As

Dear PDSA,

Last year my dog Sally would shake when fireworks were going off, and she'd get really scared. Is there anything I can do to prepare her before bonfire night this year? Rita

Dear Rita, many pets can be scared of fireworks – their enhanced senses mean the loud noises and bright flashes can be overwhelming for them. For a dog that is already fearful of them, the sooner you start preparing the better. Something called 'desensitation' (teaching her that firework noises aren't scary) and 'counterconditioning' (convincing her that the noises can be a good thing) can help. Be prepared that this could take months of careful training, and if you are not seeing progress, you may need to get an accredited pet behaviourist involved. You may also want to speak to your vet, they may suggest prescribing medication in the short term to help Sally. For more information on visit:

www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworksready

Dear PDSA,

I've bought my cat a scratching post but she won't use it and is still going at the corners of my sofa. How can I make her use the post instead of destroying my furniture? Nasim

Dear Nasim, scratching is normal behaviour for cats, which helps them condition their claws and marks their territory. If she is doing it excessively, it may be anxiety related. Make sure that the scratching post is high enough (your cat should be able to fully stretch up on her hind legs), that it has a heavy stable base, so it supports her weight when she leans against it, and is in the right place.  Put it next to her sleeping area and encourage her to use it by offering small treats she will like when she does this. Alternatively put it next to where she usually likes scratching and cover the area she likes to use with plastic or sticky tape. Don't punish her if she does use the furniture though, as that could make the problem worse. By making the sofa unsuitable and providing a suitable alternative, your cat should eventually use the post instead. If you are still having issues, contact your vet for advice or visit www.pdsa.org.uk/stop-my-cat-scratching

Dear PDSA,

My hamster's eyes seem to be stuck together and look quite pink.  What is wrong? Annie

Dear Annie, It sounds as though your hamster may be suffering from conjunctivitis. With this condition, the eyes become inflamed and painful. There are a few causes for conjunctivits in hamsters including infection, injury or irritation. The discharge that is produced when they eyes are inflamed can then stick the eyelids together. This will be very uncomfortable for them, so you need to take your hamster to see your vet as soon as possible. They may prescribe medicated eye drops, and you might need to give him some medicine by mouth as well. Make sure that his cage is spot cleaned daily and cleaned out fully every few weeks and that you use a hamster safe, dust-free base for the floor of his enclosure, to help prevent the problem recurring. www.pdsa.org.uk/hamster

Dear PDSA,

I've just started a new job and will be going into the office more regularly, will this upset my Labradoodle, Pob? Jonathan

Dear Jonathan, whether this upsets Pob will depend on how comfortable he is being left alone. Some dogs can cope for up to 4 hours alone, some dogs can cope with much less and some can't cope with being left alone at all. Initially, get him used to being left for short periods and build up gradually to a maximum of four hours. If he is struggling being left alone for any length of time, seek advice from your vet or an accredited dog behaviourist. You may need to employ a dog walker or dog sitter to check on your dog, exercise them and spend time with them while you are at work, if you are unable to come home at lunchtime to break up his day. Popping home for lunch could help him settle into his new routine, or you could ask a friend or relative to spend some time with Pob if you can't. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk

PDSA is the UK's largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information.